Hard work or not, ranching is the life Bill Elze was born into. His
grandparents’ cattle operation north of Gunnison gave him his first taste
of raising cows, growing hay and breaking horses – occupations that molded
Bill’s days for years to come.
When he first started his own ranch, Bill fed livestock via horse and
sled, and he cut timbers for the Baldwin coal mine. Through more temperate
months, he broke his own mounts as well as his neighbors’ cowponies. A
natural extension of riding rough stock led to Bill’s sideline of
participating in rodeo bareback and bull riding. Besides competing in the
Gunnison Cattlemen’s Days, he rodeoed around the region, collecting a
number of prizes to show for it.
Eventually he turned his love for the sport into community service as a
member of the Cattlemen’s Days Committee. For a number of years, Bill
staged the annual open horse show. He also served as president of the
committee.
Other local organizations benefited from Bill’s community involvement such
as Gunnison Valley Stockgrowers, Masonic Lodge and Elk’s Club. In
addition, he always attended the 4-H livestock sale, purchasing beef and
donating it to the Gunnison Health Care Center.
This year, when the gates open for the 108th Cattlemen's Days
Rodeo, Bill will be there. He hasn’t missed an annual performance since he
was in high school – either as a participant or a spectator.
Richard and Phyllis
Guerrieri started out with a herd of six milk cows and four Hereford cows.
Fifty-seven years later, they look back on a successful beef operation that
still thrives north of Gunnison.
Raising livestock,
along with five children, led to a family wide involvement with 4-H, and
both Richard and Phyllis served as leaders and mentors in the youth group
for many years. Today they continue their support through the 4-H Forever
program.
The couple has
always nurtured the cattle industry by participating in related
organizations. Richard is a member of the Gunnison Valley Stockgrowers
Association and Phyllis a member of the Gunnison Cattlewomen’s Association.
Richard is also a former member of the Chamber of Commerce board.
When they aren’t
helping out with the haying and calving, the Guerrieri's pursue other
pastimes. Richard is an avid elk and deer hunter, and for 20 years, he’s
camped with horses during the fall season on Ohio Creek. He started the
local roping club, passing his enthusiasm onto the next generation. Phyllis
belongs to the League of Women Voters and the Episcopal Church. She has a
passion for bridge and enjoys walking.
This Cattlemen’s
Days will again see Phyllis in the parade. In years past, she rode
sidesaddle atop a trusted mount. While they may not be horseback during this
parade, they will still take satisfaction in knowing they’re supporting the
ranching tradition.
“We’re happy to be
Parade Marshals,” Richard said. “We’re honored.”
